Review of Victoria & Albert’s
Exquisite dining in a truly remarkable setting is available right here in Walt Disney World! On the second floor of the main building of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, tucked neatly down an elegant hallway, you will find two mysteriously dark wooden doors with lace curtains on the windows. Intrigued guests attempt to peak through any opening they can find to get a glimpse of the splendor & sophistication that lies within. The occasional guest donned in a nice suit or cocktail dress walks up to the grand entrance and is immediately greeted with the utmost grace and escorted through the mysterious doors into the lavish dining room. This is Victoria & Albert’s, Walt Disney World’s premier dining experience and recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award.
The experience begins when guests make reservations (highly suggested 180 days in advance). Guests may choose from three dining options: the Main Dining Room, which seats about twenty guests at two separate seatings per night with a choice of a seven-course or a ten-course meal; the Queen Victoria Room, which seats eight people for a ten-course meal; and the ultra-exclusive Chef’s Table, which seats up to ten guests at one table to enjoy a feast of up to thirteen courses. When making reservations initially, guests should indicate if they are celebrating something special such as a honeymoon or anniversary, as diners are given personalized menus as a souvenir of their visit. Days prior to the reservation, guests will receive a call confirming the reservation, checking spelling of names, and inquiring about food allergies/aversions so the chef can prepare a suitable menu. (Note: the menu changes daily.)
Victoria & Albert’s is located on the second floor of the Main Building within the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa next door to the restaurant Citricos. Guests who drive will receive complimentary valet parking. There is a dress code per the Walt Disney World website: “Men must wear dinner jackets with dress pants or slacks and shoes. Ties are optional. Women may wear a cocktail dress, nice dress, dressy pant suit or a skirt with a blouse.” Also, children under 10 years of age are not allowed.
For the remainder of this review, I will be speaking specifically to the Queen Victoria Room dining experience, as that is the one we chose to celebrate our honeymoon.
When we arrived, we were escorted to the Queen Victoria Room, an intimate space behind closed doors with old world décor, rich furnishings, and a cozy fireplace. There were four tables in the room for parties of two, so it felt quite exclusive. We were assigned two dedicated wait staff and were treated to French gueridon service (which essentially means “trolley service” where meals are finished tableside). We had the option of selecting wine pairings to accompany each course, and we happily indulged (hint: if you opt for the wine pairing, you may want to skip a before-dinner aperitif as the wine pourings are generous). The presentation of the food was outstanding and the quality of each course was impeccable. See our pictures below:
(Not Pictured) Hot “Smoked” Niman Ranch Lamb with Fuji Apple and Curry Dressing
(Not Pictured) Selection of Cheese from Our Trolley
(Not Pictured) “Celebes” Coffee, Tea, and Friandises (Note: If you are a coffee drinker, the coffee service is quite impressive)
Throughout the meal, the wait staff was personable and attentive. We had some lovely conversations, and should we ever return, we would hope to have them again! In fact, we were a bit late for our reservation, and they calmed our nerves. The pace for the evening was quite leisurely, so it would be prudent not to plan after-dinner activities.
There were special touches that made the experience quite special. A harpist strummed lovely Disney melodies and classic standards in the background while guests dined. Ladies were presented with a rose to take home for the evening. After dinner, we were treated to white-glove chocolate truffle service and were given a loaf of banana-nut bread for breakfast the next morning as a parting gift. We felt transported to a place of romantic grace and grandeur.
If you enjoy gourmet dining, are looking to celebrate a special occasion, or yearning for a memorable, once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience, break out that rainy day fund, and make reservations at Victoria & Albert’s. You will be glad you did! It is by far the best dining experience in Walt Disney World.
Kim Hart is a Disney travel agent with MickeyTravels. For help planning a magical vacation you & your family will remember forever, contact Kim today!
Kim Hart
MickeyTravels, LLC
Authorized Disney Vacation Planner – PLATINUM LEVEL
Office: 410-529-1324
Cell: 410-925-5966
khart@mickeytravels.com
www.mickeytravels.com
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